Prior Learning Assessment

SOWELA recognizes that students enter the college with a wide variety of backgrounds and learning experiences establishing firm grounding in a particular discipline. Through credit for Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), SOWELA offers students the opportunity to earn college credit for knowledge and skills attained through educational or work experiences. We recognize prior learning and provide several assessment methods to measure mastery of college-level introductory course content.

SOWELA offers PLA options to currently enrolled students wanting to pursue college credit based on non-traditional means. Each PLA option listed below includes the passing score required to receive credit which will be reflected on the student’s transcript as “CR” but will not be used in computing grade point averages or in determining academic standing. Applicability of this transcribed credit toward fulfilling degree requirements is determined by the School Dean overseeing the content area.

While SOWELA encourages utilization of these PLA opportunities, students should recognize certain limitations. PLA options are available ONLY to students that are officially registered at the College. Students completing the admissions process but not enrolled are ineligible for PLA credit. A maximum of 33% of coursework required in a degree program may be earned through PLA. Credit earned by PLA may or may not be transferable to other colleges and universities. Therefore, students are strongly advised to meet with a program advisor or contact the college or university to which they plan to transfer for advice.

Students may NOT request PLA for currently or previously enrolled courses and no refunds will be awarded for coursework previously completed. Students earning an Industry-Based Certification for a currently enrolled course must speak with the School Dean overseeing the area to determine if and how credit might be applied.

The deadline for submitting Portfolio and Skill Assessment Review Applications is midterm of each fall and spring semester. The deadline for student feedback from the Dean of Instruction is Finals Week of the semester in which the student applied.

Students wishing to appeal the results of the portfolio and/or skills review should complete an Academic Appeal Form with the Dean of Instruction’s Office.

SOWELA Technical Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, or age in its programs and activities. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: